David Brooks is incorrect about Heritage Foundation

David Brooks’ generally favorable column on the GOP Party (Dec. 11) takes an erroneous swipe at The Heritage Foundation, which he characterizes as “a political advocacy organization known more for ideological purity and fundraising prowess than for creativity, curiosity or intellectual innovation.” I have been a member of Heritage’s President’s Club since 1981 and follow its work.

It mission is “To formulate and promote conservative public policies based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values and a strong national defense.”

Founded in 1973, it provided intellectual support for policies of the Reagan administration as well as intellectual heft and statistical modeling and detail for the welfare reform package enacted during the Clinton administration. It is staffed by public policy experts who are at the top of their fields and who are sought out for comment by television, radio and print media outlets. Brooks has been around long enough to know that his gratuitous attack on Heritage does not comport with the facts.